Health Information

Undescended Testicle (Cryptorchidism)

An undescended testicle (cryptorchidism) is one that remains inside
the body and has not moved down into the scrotum. Normally the testicles, which
form inside the abdomen of a male fetus, descend into the sac beneath the
penis (scrotum) by the time the baby is born.

One or both testicles may be affected. In most cases, the testicle
will descend without treatment by the time the baby is 3 months old. If this
does not happen, a doctor may advise surgery-laparoscopy or orchiopexy-to move
the testicle into the scrotum.

A male who has undescended testicles has an increased risk of
testicular torsion, hernia formation, infertility, and testicular
cancer.

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